How to develop, validate, and update clinical prediction models using multinomial logistic regression.

Objectives: Multicategory prediction models (MPMs) can be used in health care when the primary outcome of interest has more than two categories. The application of MPMs is scarce, possibly due to added methodological complexities compared to binary outcome models. We provide a guide of how to develop, validate, and update clinical prediction models based on multinomial logistic regression.

Prognostic factors associated with failure of total elbow arthroplasty.

Aims: The aims of this study were to identify and evaluate the current literature examining the prognostic factors which are associated with failure of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA).

Methods: Electronic literature searches were conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane. All studies reporting prognostic estimates for factors associated with the revision of a primary TEA were included.

Developing and externally validating multinomial prediction models for methotrexate treatment outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from an international collaboration.

Objectives: In rheumatology, there is a clinical need to identify patients at high risk (>50%) of not responding to the first-line therapy methotrexate (MTX) due to lack of disease control or discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs). Despite this need, previous prediction models in this context are at high risk of bias and ignore AEs. Our objectives were to (i) develop a multinomial model for outcomes of low disease activity and discontinuing due to AEs 6 months after starting MTX, (ii) update prognosis 3-month following treatment initiation, and (iii) externally validate these models.

Prognostic factors associated with failure of total elbow replacement: a protocol for a systematic review.

Introduction: Total elbow replacement (TER) has higher failure rates requiring revision surgery compared with the replacement of other joints. Understanding the factors associated with failure is essential for informed decision-making between patients and clinicians, and for reducing the failure rate. This review aims to identify, describe and appraise the literature examining prognostic factors for failure of TER.

Factors associated with non-carbapenemase mediated carbapenem resistance of Gram-negative bacteria: a retrospective case-control study.

Infections with carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria are related to increased morbidity and mortality, yet little is known regarding infections caused by non-beta-lactamase mediated carbapenem-resistant bacteria. Our objective was to identify risk factors for, and the clinical impact of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant carbapenemase-negative Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This retrospective matched case-control study was performed at the University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland, in 2016.

Clinical prediction models for methotrexate treatment outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), there is a clinical need to identify which patients are at high-risk of not responding to methotrexate (MTX), or experiencing adverse events (AEs), to enable earlier alternative treatments. Many clinical prediction models (CPMs) have previously been developed, but a summary of such models and their methodological quality is lacking. This systematic review aimed to (i) identify and summarize previously published CPMs of MTX outcomes in biologic-naïve RA patients, and (ii) critically appraise their methodological properties.

Whole-genome sequence-informed MALDI-TOF MS diagnostics reveal importance of Klebsiella oxytoca group in invasive infections: a retrospective clinical study.

Background: Klebsiella spp. are opportunistic pathogens which can cause severe infections, are often multi-drug resistant and are a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. Multiple new Klebsiella species have recently been described, yet their clinical impact and antibiotic resistance profiles are largely unknown.

Accuracy of urine flow cytometry and urine test strip in predicting relevant bacteriuria in different patient populations.

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is diagnosed combining urinary symptoms with demonstration of urine culture growth above a given threshold. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Urine Flow Cytometry (UFC) with urine test strip in predicting bacterial growth and in identifying contaminated urine samples, and to derive an algorithm to identify relevant bacterial growth for clinical use.

Methods: Species identification and colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) quantification from bacterial cultures were matched to corresponding cellular (leucocytes/epithelial cells) and bacteria counts per μl.

Risk factors for colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a low-endemicity setting for carbapenem resistance - a matched case-control study.

BackgroundEmergence of colistin resistance has been related to increased use in clinical settings, following global spread of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Use of colistin in animal production may constitute a further source of spread of resistant strains to humans. We sought to determine risk factors for human colonisation or infection with colistin-resistant and in a setting where colistin is mainly used for animal production.

The Effect of Electrical Load Shedding on Pediatric Hospital Admissions in South Africa.

Background: South Africa faced repeated episodes of temporary power shutdowns, or load shedding, in 2014/2015. The effect of load shedding on children's health is unknown.

Methods: We determined periods of load shedding using Twitter, Facebook, and data from the City of Cape Town.

Specificity of two HIV screening tests detecting simultaneously HIV-1 p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and -2.

This study aimed at assessing the specificity of the Elecsys HIV combi PT in comparison to the ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo. With both of these assays, 3997 unselected sera from patients of a tertiary health care centre in Basel, Switzerland, were screened for HIV. Reactive sera were reanalysed on the VIDAS HIV Duo Ultra to identify false-reactive specimens prior to confirmation by quantitative PCR and line immunoassay.

Molecular evidence of Wolbachia endosymbiosis in Mansonella perstans in Gabon, Central Africa.

The discovery of obligatory intracellular bacteria of the genus Wolbachia in filariae infecting humans led to the use of antibiotics as a potent treatment option. Mansonella perstans is the cause of the second most prevalent filariasis in Gabon, but so far reports on the presence of Wolbachia in this nematode have been inconsistent. We report on the presence of Wolbachia in M.